Project Analysis

IEEE leans heavily upon various pieces of hardware to support membership operations and all other company operations. The primary piece of hardware however are the laptops supplied to each IEEE employee. The laptop is a ​​Lenovo ThinkPad T14S Gen 2, which features an 11th Gen Intel Core i5-114G57 processor, 16 gigabyte RAM, and a 64-bit operating system that permits touch support. These laptops are imperative for day-to-day workplace tasks for each employee. Additionally, scanners and printers are all strategically oriented throughout the corporate offices to have easy accessibility and facilitate the handling of documents throughout all departments. IEEE uses servers to manage and store all their company data and information securely, and to ensure a centralized form of control. The company also utilizes private Wi-Fi networks that are available to all employees and allow them to establish a connection to a private internet network when at the facilities. Although the current hardware, which includes laptops, printers, scanners, servers, and Wi-Fi networks, has been effective and efficient for daily operations, system monitoring, and maintenance, the consideration of new hardware implementations is always a great idea to optimize workflows and boost efficiency.

Central Processing Unit

CPU stands for central processing unit in a computer. A CPU is the core component that defines a computing device. A CPU can only function alongside other hardware. A CPU is responsible for processing and executing instructions and acts as the “brain” of the computer. The CPU selects instructions, processes them, performs arithmetic and logical comparisons, and stores the results of the operations in memory.  At IEEE, an 11th Generation Intel Core i5 Processor is used. This is a great CPU to improve speed and capabilities while reducing CPU costs. A CPU works in conjunction with the main memory. This is where data is stored. Main memory is also called RAM. The Intel processor used by IEEE has 64GB of memory. The laptop also has a storage drive of up to 256 gigabytes. Additionally, the storage type is a M.2 224 SSD and the interface that corresponds to it is a PCIe® NV Me®.

The IEEE covers the design and analysis of algorithms, computer systems, and digital networks; methods for specifying, measuring, and modeling the performance of computers and computer systems; design of computer components, such as arithmetic units, data storage devices, and interface devices; design of reliable and testable digital devices and systems; computer networks and distributed computer systems; new computer organizations and architectures; applications of VLSI technology to computers; human factors and interactive computer systems; application of computer technology to other disciplines such as automatic control, robotics, communication or real-time information processing, and instrumentation.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/details/processors/core/i5.html

The 11th Generation Intel Core i5 Processor has:

IEEE utilizes a very diverse system of software to run its day-to-day company operations. One important software used is Siebel, a multifaceted platform that allows members to create accounts, enter data, and engage in communication with other members and directly with IEEE. Through Siebel, IEEE employees can manage member accounts, enter important information, communicate with members, and provide them with emails and notifications on important updates. Feith is another software that is used to manage important member-related documentation throughout departments and provide a secure storage and access point for those employees who need to access documentation to perform their daily operations. Tableau is used for the creation and implementation of reports and other data analytics, that offer important information that leads to department and overall organization decision-making. Finally, Oracle Next-Gen is a software that acts as a portal for IEEE employees to have access to HR-related information, but the platform also manages member-related company billing, this includes payments, accounts receivables, credit memos, debit memos, renewals, and more. These software platforms have proven themselves invaluable over the past few years and play important roles in supporting IEEE’s membership operations and other many departments, contributing to efficiency and effectiveness when it comes to the management of company operations. These platforms are monitored and updated constantly by IEEE’s in-house IT team, allowing these platforms to remain effective in meeting the requirements and needs of the organization.

Virtualization

Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual or software-based version of a vision, product, or general thing. Virtualization is the process where one physical computer hosts a plethora of virtual computers in itself. The Host operating system, the physical computer, can run multiple operating systems as virtual machines (VM). The main component of the host operating system is to ensure that VMs do not interfere with one another and operate as if they were a stand-alone OS.

Virtualization breaks down into three types:

• Server virtualization

• Desktop virtualization

• PC virtualization

Desktop virtualization hosts many versions of desktop operating systems with these desktops, they can be accessed from any computer as long as the user has access. This is pivotal in the tech world because it allows users to always have access to their information, regardless of if they are using their personal computer or a work device. For the IEEE, this allows our staff and lead professionals to always have access to information on the go. They can access standards information and working groups, membership engagement IS as well as analytics and other analysis information.

Server virtualization is the process where a server computer hosts multiple server computers. What makes this significant is that when utilizing server virtualizations, a user can access any of the VMs and it will ultimately appear as a normal desktop. 

 

Personal computer virtualization relies on the host operating system having strong resources to run multiple operating systems. Within the IEEE, members utilize the PC virtualization when accessing training curriculums or portals. 

Hypervisor is software that runs above the IEEE server. Hypervisors support virtualization by pooling the resources from the physical server and pushing them into the virtual software. Hypervisors break down into 2 categories: Type 1 and Type 2. As Type 1 is considered the most secure and marketable, these are most commonly used in the industry and typically placed directly on top of the server. With Type 2 hypervisors, there is a group of host OS that sits between the server and the hypervisor. 

Source Software

Open-source software are source codes of software programs that are available to the public. With this software, the public (non-staff or professionals) can access and edit the codes. Closed source software differs as these source codes are not available to the public and are widely protected. These codes are available only to trusted employees and creditable contractors. IEEE utilizes closed-source software as the IEEE has to remain reputable based on the information presented on the site. Members, although they are a trusted entity, are not permitted to openly contribute to the IEEE site information. IEEE relies heavily on web-based applications. As web-based applications are easy to run on systems such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc., this contributes to the success and retention rate of members. Web-based applications produced by the IEEE are standard programming languages such as Python and SQL.

‌New Technologies

In today’s world, various emerging technologies are shaping the landscape of innovation. IEEE, as a prominent organization in the field of technology, can leverage these advancements for various purposes. Here are some noteworthy technologies and how IEEE can use them:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: IEEE can employ AI and ML algorithms to enhance data analysis, automate processes, and develop intelligent systems for a wide range of applications.

Blockchain Technology: IEEE can explore blockchain for secure and transparent transactions, especially in areas like finance, supply chain, and smart contracts.

Internet of Things (IoT): IEEE can contribute to the development of IoT solutions, fostering connectivity and communication among devices for efficient data exchange and automation.

5G Technology: With the evolution of 5G, IEEE can support the development of high-speed, low-latency communication networks, enabling advancements in areas like augmented reality, virtual reality, and smart cities.

Quantum Computing: IEEE can engage in research and development in the field of quantum computing, exploring its potential for solving complex problems that are currently intractable for classical computers.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): IEEE can play a role in advancing AR and VR technologies, contributing to applications in gaming, education, healthcare, and training.

Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering: IEEE can contribute to advancements in biotechnology, including gene editing and synthetic biology, with potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and environmental conservation.

Robotics: IEEE can support the development of robotics technologies for various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and exploration.

Cybersecurity Technologies: IEEE can address the challenges of the evolving threat landscape by developing advanced cybersecurity solutions, ensuring the integrity and security of digital systems.

Renewable Energy Technologies: IEEE can contribute to the development and optimization of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, to address the global demand for sustainable energy solutions. 

Policies

The company's stance on Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is that it does not have a formal policy in place. Employees are not encouraged to utilize their personal devices for work-related tasks. Instead, the company provides laptops to its employees, which are sanctioned for both in-office and remote use. Employees are allowed to take these laptops home as part of their work arrangements, particularly on days when they are traveling for business purposes or are required to work remotely. The company does not currently implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) software to regulate or monitor personal devices; however, the focus is on the provision and controlled use of company-issued laptops for work-related activities.

Considering the current circumstances, it might be prudent for IEEE to contemplate the adoption of Mobile Device Management (MDM) software. This software can offer enhanced control and security measures over the devices used by employees for work-related tasks. Given that the company issues laptops for both in-office and remote use, incorporating MDM software could provide additional safeguards and regulation for these devices. The software could help monitor and manage the security aspects of the laptops, ensuring compliance with company policies and mitigating potential risks associated with unauthorized access or data breaches. In summary, the implementation of MDM software could be a beneficial consideration for IEEE to bolster the overall security and management of company-issued devices.